So it's been a long week at work, one of those weeks where you feel like you don't stop! Even in the evening, you feel your mind racing and the job lists don't stop coming, and everyone seems to be in demand of your time - well that's how my week felt anyway!​ Therefore when my day off finally rolled around and I sat down to write, I felt my mind still buzzing at a mile-a-minute, my body had a heaviness to it and the air around me just felt suffocating. ​​ That's when I worked out I'd been stuck in buildings all week long. I'd gone from my home, to the train station, to my workplace and back again. And apart from a few minutes walk either end of my journey, I'd probably spent less than an hour outside all week!​ I needed out!!! I know I make it sound like I've been stick in a prison, but confined within four walls all week, no matter if the surrounding changed every now and then, did nothing for my inspiration. So pen discarded I ventured out, phone forgotten at the bottom of my bag, mind free from to-do lists and work obligations and I just walked. I'm lucky enough to live by some quite substantial parks and woodland, so I had an abundance of walking destinations to choose from, and I have to say it felt so nice to just loose myself in nature.

​ Listening to the sounds of the birds and rustle of wildlife in the undergrowth makes me feel more connected and grounded again, and helps clear my mind and brings clarity, which always helps the inspirational juices flow once more. Must be just being out in the crisp air, and watching the light dapple through the trees - freed up the weight which has been pressing down upon me. ​ Oddly when I got home, I didn't pick up a pen right away, but with my mind emptied out it could now fill up again, but with good ideas instead and not random daily rubbish!

​ I think sometimes we often forget when we're at our most stressed, that we need time to recharge, to just be. To do something calming, go for a walk, or just do nothing at all. Because a candle wont stay lit for very long if it's burnt at both ends, right down to the wick!!! ​